Application of resistance training practices of elite spanish roller hockey teams

Abstract

The results of a survey on resistance training in a professional roller hockey league and an amateur league were compared. The response rate was 93.3% (28 of 30). The profile of the physical trainer, overload exercises, intensity of resistance training, speed of execution of repetitions and training until muscular failure was examined. The results indicated that 60% of the physical conditioning coaches had a university degree, 32.5% had a master’s degree and only 10% consulted scientific journals. In some cases, the respondents relied on unscientific sources to develop their conditioning programmes.Many trainers did not use Olympic exercises (50%), full squats (50%) or bench press throws (40%). Most interviewees controlled the intensity of the load, although some of the equipment did not use a recommended intensity of 50-90% of 1RM because the trainers did not use them currently. For these load intensities, the majority performed a combination of maximum speed in the repetitions and did not reach muscle failure. The most significant deficiencies in the fundamental principles of resistance training were observed in the amateur league. The profile of the trainers of Spanish teams are inadequate for optimal applications. Spanish trainers should take advantage of scientific research findings.

Keywords: Roller Hockey; Physical conditioning coaches; Resistance exercises; Resistance load; Repetition velocity; Muscular failure; Survey.